Highlights from WE Meet in Manila & New Delhi: Women Entrepreneurs Are Making Their Own Table—And Inviting Others to Sit With Them
- Nushu Network
- May 15
- 4 min read
As the saying goes, ‘Surround yourself with women who would mention your name in a room full of opportunities.’ That’s exactly what the Nüshu Network is about—women lifting each other up and ensuring no one walks this journey alone.
We recently wrapped up back-to-back WE Meet events in Manila (March 19) and New Delhi (March 22), and if there’s one word to describe the energy in the room, it’s Electric. 40+ women entrepreneurs from diverse industries—tech, sustainability, healthcare, retail, and more—came together, driven by a shared passion to create, innovate, and lead. Their voices were bold and unapologetic, filling the space with their stories, ideas, and unshakable ambition.
WE Meet is a networking event designed for women entrepreneurs to connect, have fun, and discover great opportunities from the Nüshu Network.
What made these gatherings even more special? Both familiar faces and new connections. Some attendees had participated in previous WE Meets and brought friends along, eager to expand their circles. Others had been part of last year’s SHELeads cohort and were finally getting the chance to connect in person. Talk about turning online connections into real-world camaraderie.
SHELeads is a 5-week virtual program empowering women entrepreneurs with leadership, networking, and fundraising skills. Since its launch, it has supported 104 women across 7 South and Southeast Asian countries. Developed with GIZ India's "Her&Now" project, it fosters peer learning and tackles gendered business barriers. (Stay tuned for the next round of applications!)
These moments remind us why this work matters. When women come together, they’re not just networking for themselves. They’re listening intently, already thinking of ways to connect each other to opportunities. "How can I help this person I just met today? I don’t even know her last name, but I’m already plotting ways to get her a business deal."
Women entrepreneurs are done waiting for a seat at the table. They’re building their own.
At WE Meet, we create spaces where women entrepreneurs aren’t just welcomed but celebrated. The environment was open and inviting, encouraging participants to share their experiences candidly and fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Take Via Villafuerte, founder of Odd Café, our venue partner for WE Meet in Manila. She reminds us: “Own your odd era, own your space.” What started as a bold, offbeat concept has become a thriving café where people connect over creativity, self-expression, and meaningful conversations.
For many, finding a supportive community makes all the difference. Ifrah Ali, the creative mind behind Kraftikaari shares,
"I think it is really important to have these community events because not everyone has the resources and access. For people like me who have social anxiety and can’t move around talking to people easily, this is a safe space—where you can be yourself, talk about who you are without judgment. It’s nice to feel included, welcomed, and have a platform to just talk."
What Women Entrepreneurs Are Asking For (and Rightfully Deserve!)
Celebrating women means more than recognition—it’s about listening to their needs and taking action. When we asked founders what fuels their success, their message was clear:
Access to Community
Women thrive in spaces where they can connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. In fact, a 2023 Harvard Business Review study found that women with strong all-female networks are 2.5 times more likely to advance in their industries. A strong network of peers and mentors is crucial for business growth and sustainability.
Our community keeps growing—we’re now a network of over 800 women entrepreneurs! Sign up here and connect with a dynamic group of women entrepreneurs across South and Southeast Asia.
Access to Capital
The funding gap is real. Women-led businesses still receive a fraction of available funding. The Global Gender Gap Report 2023 found that women-founded startups raised just 2% of venture capital funding globally—a number that hasn’t budged in a decade. We need to challenge investment biases and push for more financial inclusion.
Access to Coaching
Having the right mentors and expert guidance is a game-changer. Strategic mentorship helps women navigate challenges, build confidence, and scale their businesses with clarity and purpose.
The Nüshu Network’s Pitch Perfect sessions provide a safe, investor-led space for women entrepreneurs to sharpen their pitching skills. So far, we’ve helped 15 members gain direct feedback from investors. We’ve also introduced Office Hours, a one-on-one coaching space designed to help founders optimize operations, build networks, and navigate the fundraising space.
The Future is Female (and It’s Already Here)
Women entrepreneurs aren’t waiting for permission. They’re building, innovating, and leading the charge in their respective industries. The future of business? It’s bold, it’s diverse, and it’s run by women who refuse to shrink themselves.
Let’s #AccelerateAction and push for more inclusive opportunities, funding, and mentorship for women entrepreneurs. The work isn’t done yet—but together, we’re building a world where women-led businesses can thrive.
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